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marking of Winchester is to say that John might send for me, being not so far off from Roselynde, and would be near enough to take me by force if I refused. Or evennote how he writes of a port nearer Winchester than Londonthat he might land here and come in person.'' |
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"You are very quick to see." |
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"Quick enough when I am the quarry of the hunt. Now, what is to be done if the king write his commands to me?" |
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"Ignore them. You are betrothed already." |
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Alinor opened her mouth, and then shut it. She had a far better idea than openly flouting the kind's command, but it would be foolish to tell Ian. Doubtless he would regard the stratagem as dishonest or as a reflection on his courage. Briefly, in spite of years of experience, Alinor was washed with a feeling of irritation. She would never understand why men always wished to butt stone walls down with their heads instead of climbing over or going along until they found an opening. At the same time, she was proud that her man would not sneak or lie but would stand up bravely for his own act when he thought it right. |
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"Very well," she concurred mendaciously. "Probably he will not bother. To return to the question of the reavers" |
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"Yes. I fear we have more here than a few outlawed men. The attacks are well organized and, except for one or two instances, are not directed against the weakest and easiest target but against the richest. The outlying serf's huts are usually left in peace. It is the main farm buildingsyour propertythat are the goal. Whole herds have been driven off, and large quantities of grain have been taken. This argues a large band, and a large band controlled by someone who has some knowledge of military practice." |
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Alinor's eyes narrowed in thought. "Then they must be encamped in the Forest of Bere. The Church lands |
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